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Having Fun at the Lake this Summer

What better way to cool down on a sunny summer day than to visit the lake. There are 6 lakes nearby Mt Hood Vacation Rentals: Trillium Lake is just 3 miles east of Government Camp, Lost Lake is about 15 miles up Lolo Pass Road, Frog Lake is 5 miles past Trillium Lake and Timothy Lake is another 12 miles southeast of Frog Lake. Burnt Lake is in the Mt Hood Wilderness and ideal for hikers. Mirror Lake is just off the highway, 1 mile west of Government Camp.(There are actually more than 150 lakes and 14 wild and scenic rivers throughout the Mt Hood National Forest.)

Burnt Lake is a high-alpine lake that is only accessible via hiking trail. You can get to the lake from the south or north or do a through hike if you pre-arrange a shuttle. Whether you do an out and back from the north or south or the through hike, expect to hike about 8 miles, so bring food and water. The reward is a refreshing dip in the lake when you get there.

Trillium Lake is perfect for swimming because only non-motorized boats are permitted. Being a smaller lake, the water is warmer, too. You can fish, canoe, kayak and paddle board at Trillium Lake. There are also several trails for all abiliites for hiking, running and biking around the lake, too. Stay at the Marshall Cabin in the Trillium Lake Basin and you will be just 2 miles to the lake. Mt Hood is also popular for romantic retreats. Many of our cabins have played a part in engagements, honeymoons and anniversaries.

Timothy Lake is the one of the few lakes that allows motorized boating (10 MPH speed limit) making it easier to explore the entire lake or to go fishing. There is a 13-mile trail around the lake that is open to hikers and horses and most of the trail is also open for mountain bikers.

Frog Lake is named for the frogs that live in the trees near the lake (they are actually Western Mountain Toads). During the early summer, you will find lots of tadpoles swimming in the shallow areas of the lake and by mid-July, they will be toads. There are several trails you can access from the Frog Lake parking area including the Twin Lakes Trail. Family reunions are fun, too with all of the activities for adults and kids to enjoy.

Lost Lake is the most difficult to get to requiring some gravel road driving, but the views are well-worth the drive with some of the best Mt Hood views in the area. You can fish, canoe, kayak, paddle-board and hike at Lost Lake. Boat rentals are available at the lake, too.

Mirror Lake is just off the highway near Government Camp. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the area, so you will want to hit it early. The good news is that the Forest Service has built a new parking lot and trailhead at the west end of the Mt Hood Adventure Park parking lot to ease the congestion. Don't forget to bring your dog for a swim in the lake, too. View our pet-friendly vacation rentals.

If you are flying in or did not bring boats with you, you can rent kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards from Mt Hood Outfitters in Government Camp. They will even meet you at the lake with the boats and pick them up when you are finished boating.